Over the past 30 years, barcode scanning has moved from the supermarket checkout, through the supply chain and into every industry where items are moved. From packages arriving at a receiving dock to medicine administered at a hospital bedside, if it can be tracked, a barcode has been printed on it, and chances are, a barcode scanner is being used to read it.
Scanner manufacturers have responded to this expanding need with hundreds of types of barcode scanners, each claiming to make it easier and faster to scan in specific environments. Matching a scanner to your business needs can be confusing, and if you�re not careful, some scanners that seem �faster� might just slow you down. Before choosing a barcode scanner, you need to consider your reasons for using barcodes and then establish some guidelines for selecting a device that best fits your needs.
Why Barcode?
Barcodes are popular because, not only are they inexpensive, they�re also accurate. With a few pulls of a trigger, an untrained user can enter thousands of equivalent typed letters and numbers into an application without ever making a mistake or touching a keyboard. Scanners today rarely make mistakes (one in millions for most code types). If a price comes up wrong at your supermarket, don�t blame the scanner � blame the system (and people) responsible for maintaining the database.
The use of barcodes is increasing because they are easy to use. Learning how to use a barcode scanner involves point and shoot or slide from point A to point B. If it beeps, you did it right. And due to better �human factors engineering,� scanners can dramatically reduce the chances of repetitive stress injuries caused by keyboards.
The scanner is just one component of a complete barcode appli-cation that solves a particular business problem. While the scanner captures data, what�s most valuable is when the information is passed onto a system that actually does something with the numbers sent. It�s the recording and interpretation of the data captured that really makes these tools useful.
In all the years of barcoding, only two persistent applications survive: those that count the number of items that move past a certain point and those that track the movement of an item. In applications that count, each item has a barcode, but the barcode �number� is the same on identical items. For example, the barcode on a can of soda may be the same everywhere, so wherever it�s scanned, that number always correlates to the size of the can of soda. These applications typically are used for inventory management and can be seen in retail stores, warehouses and manufacturing production lines.
In applications that track the movement of items through a number of steps, each barcode is a different number that never repeats, ensuring that each item has a unique identity. For example, each Dell computer on a pallet is the �same,� but each carries a unique barcoded serial number. These applications are all around you.
Choosing the Right Scanner
There are seven factors that should be taken into account when deciding which device is right for you. These include:
Environment � Will the items be scanned indoors or outdoors? Subject to extreme heat or cold? A device designed for a retail application is not likely to withstand rain, dramatic temperature changes or numerous drops onto a bare concrete floor. Conversely, many buyers overpay for unnecessary ruggedness in scanners where only users in shipping and receiving areas should opt for more rugged devices. Understand where and how these scanners will be used, and review the product specs and testing techniques first.
Volume and size of items to be scanned � Do you work with small individual items, large packages or full pallet loads? For occasional scans of smaller items, a simple standard range handheld scanner should do the trick. Larger packages, where orienting the scanner to the barcode can be a challenge, may require a scanner with an omni-directional pattern. Long-range scanners are often necessary for pallet scanning, due to the distance between the operator and the barcode.
Symbology � Are the barcodes being scanned traditional one-dimensional codes (UPC, EAN, Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5) or two-dimensional (PDF417, Maxi Code, Aztec, QR Code)? While virtually every scanner on the market today will read the most popular one-dimensional codes, multi-line scanners or imagers are required to decode the newer, data-rich, 2D ones. Don�t overbuy in this area; although 2D reading technologies continue to improve rapidly, these scanners tend to be a hair slower than their cheaper, single-line counterparts. Your supplier can help you research what types of codes are coming in your door and which types to use if you need to print them.
Operator mobility � Do the users need to go to the items as in a pick and pack operation, or will the items come to the users? If items will be handled and scanned at a workstation, a tethered handheld would likely suffice. Cordless scanners give workers the freedom to capture data across an aisle, a room or an entire warehouse; however, don�t base your purchasing decision simply on radio range. Unless the scanner is equipped with a display, the user will still need to be near the computer to �see� exactly what he is doing.
If the operator needs to have his hands completely free to move materials, a back-of-hand or ring-mounted wearable scanning device (typically tethered to a portable computer) may be a better choice. Applications that involve unattended automation, such as machine sorting of packages along a conveyor belt, require a fixed-mount scanner with an omni-directional or sweeping beam. This enables items to pass and be read without precise positioning of the barcode.
Budget � CCD and low-end laser scanners (typically $150 to $300) are the least expensive options but have limited range and minimal durability. Corded retail and light industrial laser scanners ($300 to $500) will have very quick decode performance, a medium working range and stand up to most shipping dock abuse. Industrial laser and image scanners ($600 to $1,000) can withstand repeated drops to concrete, immersion in water and are generally available with optional long-range scanning engines. Cordless models ($750 to $2,000) come in retail and industrial versions. Omni-directional handhelds ($700-$1,200) are great choices if you are scanning barcodes with the aspect ratio (codes that are as tall as they are wide). Work with your supplier to try a few of these options out before you commit.
Warranty and service � Warranties range from one to five years for standard manufacturer defect repair. All companies offer extended maintenance contracts for their products. A current active area for extended contracts is Hot Spare service, where the supplier will fix the scanner no matter what happened to it (within reason) and will overnight an exact or comparable device to use while yours is being repaired.
Ask for pricing on all service options before you order your scanners since post-purchase contracts might be more expensive. Be sure that whomever is selling you a contract uses only the manufacturer for repairs, since a non-qualified repair will likely void any other warranties and simply cannot be of equal quality.
Sourcing � Unless planning to buy scanners in 1,000+ unit blocks, all scanners are sold through resellers or VARs. As in all things, shop around, but don�t sacrifice expert advice and post-sales support in exchange for the cheapest price. What you perceive to be a great deal on the front end might cost you more in the long run if you don�t choose your suppliers wisely. Be sure to use a certified reseller; most manufacturers� Web sites have contact links to partners who have passed certain training requirements. If your potential order is large enough, some VARs keep a loaner pool on hand so customers can try a few styles out before buying.
With a little consideration of what you need your scanners to do, you should be able to quickly narrow your choice to a few candidates. Work with your supplier on remaining within your budget, and see if you can test one or two styles before you buy.
Michael Saldi is president of SCLogic, Inc., one of the largest barcode resellers in the US. For additional information, please visit www.sclogic.com.
